Provide Feedback on your current Board of Director Applicants

“I have enjoyed serving the TCIA membership during my first term as a member of the board and am grateful for the opportunity to really listen and learn about both the unique and the common needs of our members.  I would be honored to serve a second term and build on the momentum our board has developed together.  The vision is clear, the energy is high, and the respect is deep for the diverse and thoughtful approach to the association’s goals.  I believe the experience of my first term has created an even stronger foundation for further contribution and collaboration.”

I would like to execute the present strategic plan as well as help develop the next strategic plan. I wish to help grow the quality and size of our industry and to introduce more companies to TCIA. We need to grow our membership. I would like to serve membership by using feedback to strategically advise the organization based on the inspiration of safety, quality and profit.

I have been in the industry as a timber buyer from ages 17 to 23 to then a Bartlett groundsman and then crew leader, search for ALB in MA for 2 years, moved to Baltimore and worked with Brightview for 4 years doing commercial sales. I started Monster Tree Service in Baltimore as a GM and bought the location 2.5 years later. We have successfully grown to over 1.2million in 2 years; safety culture inspires growth and comfort. Not only do I care for the industry but it’s engrained into his skin. We all have the ups and downs and those who strive through evolve to leaders. 

I am honored to be considered for a position on the TCIA Board of Directors.  With over 25 years of experience in the tree care industry and as owner and President of Wachtel Tree Science, Inc., a 20 year TCIA Accredited company, I am blessed to be able to give back to the industry which has given me so much over the years.  Being involved in the peer to peer and mentorship programs, I have seen firsthand the value TCIA brings to safety, education, and business development.  I’m passionate about workforce development and believe we must invest in the next generation of arborists through training, mentorship, and continued outreach.

If elected, I will advocate for expanding the access to TCIA’s resources for small and mid-sized companies, strengthening our advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels.  These efforts will help ensure our industry remains safe, sustainable, and respected.  I look forward to serving and giving back to the tree community.

The process of applying as a current TCIA Board member has allowed me to reflect on the vision and focus of TCIA along with the three-year picture.  It is impressive to see how much progress has been made by the TCIA staff toward completion of the three-year picture in just the last year and a half. 

By continuing on the Board, I can continue to offer the perspective of smaller companies and companies in the western portion of the US.  In particular, I have significant experience in Workforce Development and am able to offer my perspective and expertise in this area.   I am also passionate about member engagement, safety, education, and advocacy.

I am committed to the core values of the Board of Directors and will continue to be committed, be a team player, be strategic, be open minded and be a steward of the industry, all in the interest of the greater good of our industry and to advance tree care businesses. I have a history of service through volunteer board positions and leadership in the community. Servant heart is a personal core value and was part of my upbringing.  I look forward to continuing my service on the Board to help continue TCIA’s positive momentum and help guide our organization through new challenges while elevating our industry.